Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have two as well, so we can swap if necessary. I thank Mr. McKenna for his opening statement, which was short and to the point. I have concerns for Coillte going forward, particularly regarding the indications of a sell-off of part of the assets of the company. Has any definitive decision been made regarding the amount of assets that will be sold? A major concern is what happens to the land afterwards. If parts of our forests are sold off, does it mean that the land is in the hands of whatever company buys it for a period of time? Is there any indication of what period of time companies would have control over that asset? What is the situation with regard to any metals that may be underground? Who would have the rights to that? Has any exploration been carried out to determine if there are such resources in the land being considered for sale? That is an issue of enormous concern to many Deputies and Senators.

I find it mind boggling, given that Mr. McKenna's report - though short - is so positive that the Government of the day is going to sell off an asset that is performing exceptionally well.

Reference was made to €2 billion in exports in the past 12 months and, in itself, that is an indication of the potential. I find it difficult to understand why there is a proposal to dispense with it when such potential exists.